Editors launch forum

Editors of five privately-owned mainstream newspapers launched a national editors’ forum “to promote and defend press freedom and free speech”.

The Zimbabwe National Editor’s Forum (ZINEF) was launched on 12 June by Geoff Nyarota editor of the Daily News, Francis Mdlongwa of the Financial Gazette, Iden Wetherell of the Zimbabwe Independent, Barnwell Chakaodza of the Standard, and Chiza Ngwira of Parade.

ZINEF’s self-described mission is to challenge laws that threaten media freedom and freedom of expression, and to encourage the government to ensure transparency, openness and accountability in public administration.

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Viewing cable 02HARARE1423, INDEPENDENT EDITORS LAUNCH FORUM

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UNCLAS HARARE 001423

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/PD, AF/S, AF/RA

NSC FOR JENDAYI FRAZER

LONDON FOR GURNEY

PARIS FOR NEARY

NAIROBI FOR PFLAUMER

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PREL PHUM KPAO ZI

SUBJECT: INDEPENDENT EDITORS LAUNCH FORUM

¶1.   Editors of five privately-owned mainstream newspapers

have launched a national editors’ forum “to promote and

defend press freedom and free speech” in Zimbabwe. The

Zimbabwe National Editor’s Forum (ZINEF) was launched on

June 12 by editors Geoff Nyarota of “The Daily News,”

Francis Mdlongwa of the weekly “The Financial Gazette,”

Iden Wetherell of the weekly “Zimbabwe Independent,”

Bornwell Chakaodza of the “The Sunday Standard,” and Chiza

Ngwira, editor of the monthly magazine “Parade.”

¶2.   ZINEF’s self-described mission is to challenge laws

that threaten media freedom and freedom of expression, and

to encourage the government to ensure transparency,

openness and accountability in public administration.

¶3.   Meanwhile, an article carried in the June 13 edition

of the “Financial Gazette,” reports that the independent

media in Zimbabwe are preparing to take the government to

court to challenge sections of the Access to Information

and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). The move comes two

days before a government deadline for the registration of

media organizations. Under AIPPA, no newspaper, radio or

television station, advertising agency or journalist will

be allowed to operate after June 16 unless they are

registered with or accredited by the Media and Information

Commission. However, the Media Commission has not yet set

up registration or accreditation processes, and Chairman

Tafataona Mahoso has said that the Commission will not take

immediate action against unregistered media organizations

or journalists.

SULLIVAN

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